Anneke Smith
Govt unveils plan to protect hospitals through winter
The government has rolled out its long-awaited health plan to ease pressure on hospitals this coming winter season.
Wait times for emergency care were the worst on record last winter.
Now, a… Audio
Government releases plan to ease winter pressure on health system
The Government has revealed a 24-point plan to ease pressure on the health system this winter.
The initiatives are wide-ranging but broadly aim to redirect unnecessary demand on hospitals to care in… Audio
Protestors turn out to womens rights gathering at Parliament
Several hundred people have turned out to Parliament for a Speak Up For Women gathering and counter-protest, which both got underway at 12.30pm.
The women's rights group supported a visit to New… Audio
Ongoing dawn visits a 'betrayal' of Pasifika community - leader
A Pacific leader says his community has been betrayed by the government's ongoing use of dawn raid tactics.
Officials have confirmed they still carry out dawn raids to arrest overstayers, following… Audio
Economist says 2023 'no frills' Budget will be a difficult balancing act
An economist is calling this year's Budget a difficult balancing act between funding the cyclone recovery and curbing spending to help bring down inflation.
Prime Minister Chris Hipkins described… Audio
Questions remain after Stuart Nash dismissal
The dust may be settling on Stuart Nash's dismissal but questions remain over why it took so long for his transgression to come to light.
Nash's email, leaking confidential Cabinet information in… Audio
High Court denies rainbow communities bid against Posie Parker
The High Court has ruled against the rainbow communities' bid to stop British anti-transgender activist Posie Parker into country.
The High Court has decided that the government's decision to let… Audio
Crown law considered contempt prosecution for Stuart Nash
Cabinet Minister Stuart Nash is under fire - again - after Crown Law confirmed it once considered prosecuting him for contempt of court.
Nash resigned as Police Minister this week for criticising a… Audio
Chris Hipkins axes more government policies in reprioritisation
Less than two months into Chris Hipkins' time as Prime Minister and the Government's agenda is looking much slimmer.
Hipkins has axed - or amended - a swathe of programmes in his second policy purge… Audio
Nash won't fight in charity boxing match, but 'not scared' of Mitchell
The trash talks started, but there's no fight on the cards. National MP Mark Mitchell is disappointed Police Minister Stuart Nash won't go head-to-head with him in a charity boxing match.
Mitchell… Audio
Former police officer questions protection gear at Parliament occupation
A former police officer estimates up to 200 officers were sent into last year's riot at Parliament without enough safety gear.
The anti-mandate occupation ended violently with protesters lighting… Audio
Government told Rob Campbell sacking a blow to health reforms
The government's being warned sacking outspoken Te Whatu Ora health boss Rob Campbell is a blow to its big health reforms.
Others say it is a golden opportunity to put a doctor in charge.
The Health… Audio
Covid-19 Omicron booster for all over 30yo available from April
The government is poised to roll out a new Covid-19 booster for everyone over the age of 30.
The Pfizer bivalent vaccine will be available from the start of April - a move described by one… Audio
Health NZ bracing for more pressure over winter
Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand - is bracing for another tough winter with eight hospital 'hotspots' coming under increasing pressure.
It will use emergency provisions to ease the burden -… Audio
Luxon, Hipkins take election campaigns to Tauranga
Voters in Tauranga got a taste of the 2023 election campaign today - with both of the 'Chrises' out and about in the electorate.
The leaders of both major parties hit the road - talking to locals… Audio
PM Hipkins' first international trip to Aus to meet Albanese
The Prime Minister hopped across the Tasman today to say 'gidday' to his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese. The day-trip to Canberra marks Chris Hipkins' first international trip since he took… Audio
Fuel tax subsidy extension 'bonkers', 'extremly dumb' - critics
"Bonkers" and "extremely dumb" are just some of the words critics are using to describe the Government's U-turn on transport subsidies.
The fuel tax cut - and half price public transport - are being… Audio
'Boy from the Hutt' stops Labour's poll slide
Two new political polls show 'the boy from the Hutt' may have what it takes to turn around Labour's election fortunes.
The party's leader Chris Hipkins appears to have put a stop to sinking support -… Audio
Ribbon cut on long-awaited Peka Peka to Otaki expressway
Wellingtonians heading up the Kapiti Coast for the holidays are in for an early Christmas present. The ribbon had been cut on the long-awaited expressway from Peka Peka to Otaki, although it would not… Audio
MPs finish final debate of 2022
With just ten days until Christmas, MPs have completed their final debate of the year.
There were jokes and jabs to bookend another busy year in politics - and a parting gift for all New Zealanders… Audio